Power of play toy

ABSTRACT

A toy is provided that includes a body portion configured for attachment to a moveable object. An action portion is configured for temporary attachment to the body portion. An energy storage mechanism is attached to the action portion and is configured for storing energy in response to movement of the moveable object. A selectively operable portion of the toy is attached to the action portion, coupled to the energy storage mechanism and configured to be selectively operable when the action portion is disconnected from the body portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No.61/045,449 filed Apr. 16, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to toys, and more specificallyto toys powered by a battery recharged by child activity.

BACKGROUND

Numerous types of toys employ batteries to power lights, sounds andother features. A child may be entertained by playing with these toys,but the nature of the power used is hidden from the user. A toy whichreceives its power from kinetic energy generated by the child playingwith the toy, however, can be an educational tool to teach about energygeneration and energy conservation. Further, a toy which has featureswhich are only present when kinetic energy is supplied by the childencourages a child to be active, which in turn, is beneficial to thechild's health. Toys which require a user to create energy in order topower the toy's features educate children about energy generation,harness a child's kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost, do notdepend on traditional sources of energy (batteries or fossil fuels), andencourage children to be active by rewarding activity with poweredfeatures.

Accordingly, it is advantageous for children, their health and for theenvironment to provide a toy that encourages a child to participate inphysical activity and to convert this activity into its power source.Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the presentinvention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed descriptionand the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment a toy is provided that includes a bodyportion configured for attachment to a moveable object. An action figureis configured for temporary attachment to the body portion. An energystorage mechanism is attached to the action portion and is configuredfor storing energy in response to movement of the moveable object. Aselectively operable portion of the toy is attached to the actionportion, coupled to the energy storage mechanism and configured to beselectively operable when the action portion is disconnected from thebody portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction withthe following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote likeelements, and wherein

FIG. 1 illustrates the toy in its entirety mounted on a bicycle;

FIG. 2 illustrates details of the body portion of the toy mounted onbicycle handlebars;

FIG. 3 illustrates details of the energy generation portion of the toy;

FIG. 4 illustrates the attachment of the energy generation portion tothe bicycle frame;

FIG. 5 illustrates the circuit between the dynamo and the body portionof the toy;

FIG. 6 illustrates the temporary circuit between the dynamo and thebattery;

FIG. 7 illustrates the circuit between the battery and the action figureportion of the toy;

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate, in side, front, back, and bottom views,respectively, the action figure portion of the toy;

FIG. 12 illustrates, in exploded view, of the action figure portion ofthe toy;

FIG. 13 illustrates how action figure can be controlled by a remotecontrol;

FIG. 14 illustrates, in exploded, cutaway view, how the action figuredocks with the body portion of the toy;

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate, in perspective view and back view,respectively, the body portion of the toy;

FIG. 17 illustrates an enlarged detail of the LED array colored lens;

FIG. 18 illustrates an enlarged detail of the LCD screen;

FIG. 19 illustrates body portion of the toy as a camera;

FIG. 20 illustrates body portion of the toy as a digital music player;

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate, in side, front, back, and bottom views,respectively, an alternative version of the action figure portion of thetoy; and

FIGS. 25-28 illustrate, in side, front, back, and bottom views,respectively, a second alternative version of the action figure portionof the toy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No.61/045,449 filed Apr. 16, 2008.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of theinvention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, toy 20 includes a body portion 24 configuredfor attachment on a bicycle 34 for example, on the handlebars 26, orother child-propelled wheeled vehicle such as a scooter, cart, ride-onvehicle or the like. The body portion is connected to an energygeneration portion 30 via cable 28. The body portion can be in the shapeof a vehicle such as a rocket ship, moon cruiser, car, plane or thelike. The body portion serves as a docking station for an action figure22. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the action figurecan be a robot, an alien, an animal or the like. For ease of discussion,but without limitation, toy 20 and variations thereof will be describedand illustrated herein as a rocket ship body portion and a robot actionfigure adapted for use with a bicycle. Those of skill in the art willappreciate that this is for purposes of illustration only and that otherbody portions and action figures are also encompassed by the inventionand such toy can be attached to other child-propelled wheeled vehiclesbesides bicycles. Other illustrative embodiments will be describedbelow.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in accordance with one embodiment, how the rocketship body portion 24 is attached to bicycle handlebars 26. In accordancewith this embodiment rocket ship body portion 24 is securely mounted tobike handlebars 26 with recess 37 of the rocket ship body portionsitting on the middle point 36 of handlebars. The rocket ship bodyportion is held in this position by connector piece 38 and screwfasteners (not illustrated) or other conventional fastening mechanisms.The weight of the rocket ship body portion is comparable to many bicyclebaskets, bells, and the like, so there is no added danger with havingrocket ship body portion mounted to the bicycle handlebars in thismanner.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in exploded view, details of the energy generationportion of the toy in accordance with one embodiment. Energy generationportion 30 contains a dynamo 40, with rotating axle 42, contact knob 44,left outer shell 46 and right outer shell 48. Right outer shell 48 andleft outer shell 46 are coupled together with suitable fasteners. Dynamo40 is held inside the shells such that axle 42 protrudes through hole 50in right outer shell 48. Contact knob 44 is mounted on axle 42 such thatwhen contact knob rotates, axle 42 rotates as well turning dynamo 40.Dynamo electrical contacts 56 connect to cable 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, energy generation portion 30 is attached witha suitable fastener such as a bolt and nut through hole 51 and a frontbrake frame hole 52 on the bicycle frame. The energy generation portionis positioned on the bicycle so that contact knob 44 rests on top ofwheel 32 and is configured to rotate when wheel 32 rotates. The energygeneration portion 30 is electrically connected to rocket ship bodyportion 24 by cable 28. Cable 28 is secured to the frame of the bicycle,for example, near the top of stem 54, but with enough slack to allowhandlebars to rotate freely without restraint from the cable.

When energy generation mechanism 30 is securely affixed to the bicycleat hole 52, contact knob 44 and dynamo axle 42 will rotate as thebicycle wheel rotates. The rotation of the dynamo axle generates DCcurrent. When DC current is generated, it is transferred to the rocketship body portion of toy 20 via cable 28.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate circuits found in an embodiment of the invention.In FIG. 5, circuit 58 schematically illustrates circuit elements thatare found between the energy generation portion 30 and the rocket shipbody portion 24. Power generated by the dynamo 40 when the bicycle wheelrotates can be utilized to powers speaker 60, rear thruster lights 62,LED array 64, LCD screen 66 and the like (detailed below) that areselectively operable features resident on body portion 24. Although theselectively operable features may vary from embodiment to embodiment, acircuit such as this preferably is present in all embodiments. Theselectively operable features on the rocket ship body portion of the toycan be powered regardless of whether or not a robot action figure isdocked, so long as the energy generation portion is correctly mountedand the bicycle wheel is in motion.

When a robot action figure 22 is docked in rocket ship body portion 24of the toy, the energy generation portion is configured to power asecond, temporary circuit 68 consisting of the dynamo and therechargeable battery 70 in the robot action figure as illustrated inFIG. 6. Power from the dynamo charges the rechargeable battery. Thiscircuit is only complete when a robot action figure is docked to therocket ship body portion of the toy.

Once the rechargeable battery 70 has charged past a minimum threshold,the battery is configured to provide power for circuit 72 in the robotaction figure as illustrated in FIG. 7. Battery 70 is connected toselectively operable features such as energy indicator LED 74,microprocessor 78, speaker 80 which is activated by switch 84, and motor82. This circuit, in some configuration, is present in the robot actionfigure whether or not the robot action figure is docked to the rocketship body portion of the toy. The selectively operable features presentin any action figure can vary from embodiment to embodiment.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate, in right side, front, back, and bottom views,respectively, details of robot action figure 22 in accordance with oneembodiment. Again, action figure 22 is here illustrated, for purposes ofease of description but without limitation, as a robot action figure.Those of skill in the art will recognize that the action figure and theselectively operable features of the action figure can take differentforms. In accordance with this embodiment the outside of robot actionfigure 22 is made of front plastic shell 86 and back plastic shell 88,which are connected by fasters at points 90. Robot head 92 includes twoantennae 94 which can rotate. Robot action figure also contains left leg96, right leg 98, left arm 100, and right arm 102, which are allseparate plastic pieces, held in places by front shell 86 and back shell88. Each leg contains a wheel 104 which can rotate. At the bottom of thefeet are visible electrical contacts 106.

FIG. 12 illustrates internal components of the robot action figure inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention including a circuit boardassembly 114 upon which a circuit such as circuit 72 (FIG. 7) can beimplemented. Circuit board assembly 114 includes an energy storagemechanism, rechargeable battery 70, mounted on circuit board 113 insiderobot action figure 22. Also mounted on circuit board 113 are energyindicator LED 74, switch 86, IR receiver 77, and microprocessor 78. Alsoinside plastic shell are speaker 80, electrical contacts 106, motor 82,and gear assembly 116.

As further illustrated in FIG. 12, button 108 rests above a switch onthe circuit board (not illustrated in FIG. 7). Button 108 has a clearportion 109, surrounded by a solid colored ring 110. Light from anenergy indicator LED 74 can be seen through the clear portion 109 ofbutton 108. Speaker holes 112 are located above the button.

Sounds from speaker 80 in the robot action figure can be activated bypressing button 108. Different sounds are synthesized by microprocessor78 depending on the power level in rechargeable battery 70. “Happy”robot sounds are created when battery is more than two-thirds charged.Monotone robot sounds are created when battery is one-third totwo-thirds charged. “Sad” robot sounds are played when battery is lessthan one third charged, prompting a child to recharge the rechargeablebattery with further activity. Different action figures have differentsounds as relates to their characters.

Energy indicator LED 74 is preferably a tri-color LED and acts as avisual energy indicator. When rechargeable battery is fully charged,energy indicator LED 74 glows blue. When rechargeable battery ishalf-charged, energy indicator LED 74 glows green. When rechargeablebattery energy level is nearly depleted, energy indicator LED 74 glowsyellow.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention motion andsound features on robot action figure 22 can also be activated by remotecontrol 118, as illustrated in FIG. 13 taken together with FIG. 12.Pressing button 120 on remote control 118 sends a signal received by IRreceiver 77, processed by microprocessor 78 which activates motor 82.Motor 82 turns gear assembly 116 which turns wheels 104 so the robotspins. Pressing button 122 on remote control 118 sends a signal receivedby IR receiver 77, processed by microprocessor 78 which activatesspeaker 80 to make sounds. Pressing both button 120 and button 122together at the same time causes robot to spin and make a “Wheee” soundor the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 14 taken together with FIGS. 1, 6 and 11,rechargeable battery 70 is connected to battery contacts 106 located inthe right leg 96 and left leg 98 of the robot action figure 22. Thesecontacts have a concave profile 124 which mates with convex connectors126 in the rocket ship body portion of the toy, as shown in FIG. 14.When robot action figure is docked to the rocket ship body portion,battery contacts 106 in the robot action figures legs 96, 98 makeelectrical contact with metal connectors 126 in the rocket ship bodyportion. Robot action figure 22 is held in position by springs 128 inthe rocket ship body portion of the toy. Springs 128 compress to releaselegs 96, 98 when robot action figure is pulled from rocket ship bodyportion of toy. The concave shape 124 and slight recession of thecontacts 106 in robot action figure legs are a safety measure so thatbattery contacts are not exposed and cannot be easily contacted by achild.

Connectors 126 in the rocket ship body portion are electricallyconnected to the energy generation mechanism. Thus the action of dockingthe robot action figure 22 to rocket ship body portion 24 completescircuit 68 shown in FIG. 6 between rechargeable battery 70 and dynamo40.

FIGS. 15-16 illustrate optional details of the rocket ship body portionof the toy in perspective and rear views, respectively, in accordancewith various embodiments of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 15,for example, windshield 129 is clear so the robot action figure can “seethrough it”.

As illustrated in FIG. 16 the selectively operated features of therocket ship body portion 24 are viewable from the back of the rocket sothe child can see them while riding the bicycle. Energy from therechargeable battery powers thruster lights 62, imitation rocket soundsplayed through speaker holes 130, an LED array 64, and an LCD screen 66in the rocket ship body portion of the toys. In accordance with oneembodiment thruster lights 62 glow brighter and sounds through speakerholes 130 become louder as the speed of the wheel increases, providingpositive feedback to the child for pedaling.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the LED array64, shown enlarged in FIG. 17, works as a speedometer display. Aspedaling speed of the bicycle increases, more LEDs in the array lightup, from left to right. The LEDs can be configured to shine through amulti-colored lens so that at slow speeds, the green portion 132 of thelens is lighted, at medium speeds the green portion 132 and yellowportion 134 are lighted, and at higher speeds, the green portion 132,yellow portion 134, and red portion 136 are lighted.

In accordance with another embodiment the LCD screen 66 illustrated inFIG. 16 turns on and displays information once pedaling starts. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the LCD screen can display distancetraveled in numerals 138 and level of power created, displayed with asystem of stars 140. Each star represents a small unit of energycreated. Pressing button 142 (FIG. 16) toggles the display betweendistance and energy created, and pressing button 144 resets theinformation on the display to zero.

The body portion of the toy can also be configured with alternativeselectively operable functions as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 19, in accordance with theseembodiments, body portion 24 uses energy from the energy generationportion to power a digital camera (not illustrated) which takes pictureswith lens 148 as child rides the bicycle. As illustrated in FIG. 20,energy from the energy generation portion powers a digital music player.Controls 152 control music track playback.

FIGS. 21-24 and 25-28 illustrate alternative action figures 222 and 322,respectively in accordance with alternative embodiments of theinvention. Illustrated in FIGS. 21-24 in side, front, back and bottomviews respectively, is an alternate action figure, alien action figure222. In accordance with one embodiment alien action figure 222 has frontplastic shell 156 and back plastic shell 158 as well as head 160, rightarm 162, left arm 164, and clear space visor 166. The alien actionfigure has clear button 168 which reveals light from an energy indicatorLED and that can be pressed for sounds to be played from speaker holes170. Alien action figure 222 preferably has different sounds than robotaction figure 22 and makes different sounds depending on energy level inrechargeable battery 70. Alien action figure 222 has electrical contacts172 in its legs and can be docked in rocket ship body portion 24 in thesame way as robot action figure 22.

Illustrated in FIGS. 25-28 in side, front, back, and bottom views is asecond alternate action figure, animal action figure 322. In accordancewith one embodiment animal action figure 322 has front plastic shell176, back plastic shell 178, front legs 180, and eyeball 182. Eyeball182 can freely rotate within front shell 178. Animal action figure 322has clear button 184 which reveals energy indication LED and can bepressed for sounds to be played from speaker holes 186. Animal actionfigure 322 can be configured to have different sounds than robot actionfigure 22 and alien action figure 222 and makes different soundsdepending on energy level in rechargeable battery 70. Animal actionfigure 322 has electrical contacts 188 in right rear leg 190 and leftrear leg 192 and can be docked in rocket ship body portion 24 in thesame way as robot action figure 22.

All action figures can use the same circuit board assembly 114, asillustrated in FIG. 12. When a child breaks the plastic shell of anaction figure or outgrows the character of an action figure, the shellcan be removed and circuit board assembly 114 can be placed in a newshell representing a new character. Discarded shells can be recycled.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limitthe scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled inthe art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplaryembodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made inthe function and arrangement of elements without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legalequivalents thereof.

1. A toy comprising: a body portion configured for attachment to amoveable object; a selectively operable action portion configured fortemporary attachment to the body portion; an energy storage mechanismattached to the action portion and configured for storing energy uponmovement of the moveable object; and a selectively operable portionattached to the action portion and configured to be powered by theenergy storage mechanism and to be selectively operable when the actionfigure is not attached to the body portion.
 2. The toy of claim 1further comprising: a wheel coupled to the body portion and to theenergy storage mechanism and configured to rotate when the body portionis attached to the moveable object and the moveable object is in motionand wherein rotation of the wheel initiates generation of energy forstorage in the energy storage mechanism.
 3. The toy of claim 2 furthercomprising a dynamo attached to the body portion and coupled to thewheel and to the energy storage mechanism and configured to generateelectrical energy in response to rotation of the wheel.
 4. The toy ofclaim 3 further comprising a selectively operable function connected tothe body portion and the dynamo and powered by the dynamo.
 5. The toy ofclaim 1 wherein the body portion comprises one of the group consistingof: a rocket ship, moon cruiser, car, and a plane.
 6. The toy of claim 5wherein the selectively operable portion comprises an element of thegroup consisting of: a light, a simulated speech center, an operableappendage, and operable drive wheels.
 7. The toy of claim 6 furthercomprising: a microcontroller attached to the action portion and coupledto the selectively operable portion; and a controller remote from theaction portion and in communication with the microcontroller foractivating the selectively operable portion.
 8. A toy comprising: a bodyportion configured for attachment to a wheel of a child powered vehicle;a dynamo attached to the body portion and configured to generateelectrical energy in response to rotation of the wheel; an actionportion configured for temporary attachment to the body portion; arechargeable battery attached to the action portion, coupled to thedynamo, and configured to receive electrical energy from the dynamo; andan operative portion attached to the action portion, selectively coupledto the rechargeable battery, and operative when the action portion isseparated from the body portion.
 9. The toy of claim 8 furthercomprising a rotatable body attached to the body portion and coupled tothe dynamo and configured to rotate when the wheel of the child poweredvehicle is rotated.
 10. The toy of claim 8 further comprising a remotecontroller spaced apart from the action portion for remotely controllingthe operative portion.
 11. The toy of claim 8 further comprising secondoperative portions couple to the body portion.
 12. The toy of claim 8further comprising a second selectively operative portion connected tothe body portion and to the dynamo.
 13. A toy comprising: a body portionconfigured for attachment to the wheel of a bicycle; an action figureconfigured for docking in contact with the body portion; a rechargeablebattery attached to the action figure; a charging circuit coupled to thebody portion and configured to charge the rechargeable battery inresponse to rotation of the wheel of the bicycle; a first operativefeature attached to the body portion and to the rechargeable battery andconfigured to be operatively powered by the rechargeable battery; and asecond operative feature attached to the action figure and configured tobe powered by the rechargeable battery when the action figure is notdocked to the body portion.
 14. The toy of claim 13 wherein the chargingcircuit comprises a dynamo coupled to the rechargeable battery andconfigured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of thewheel.
 15. The toy of claim 14 further comprising a rotatable membercoupled to the body portion and to the dynamo and positioned to pressagainst the wheel of the bicycle and configured to rotate in response torotation of the wheel of the bicycle to operate the dynamo.
 16. The toyof claim 13 further comprising: a microcontroller attached to the actionfigure; a remote controller spaced apart from the action figure andconfigured to communicate with the microcontroller to control the secondoperative feature.
 17. The toy of claim 13 wherein the first operativefeature comprises one of the group consisting of: a light, a speechsimulator; a sound generator, a speedometer, and a digital camera. 18.The toy of claim 11 wherein the action figure comprises a molded plasticbody having a shape selected from the group consisting of: an animalfigure, an action figure, and a robot.
 19. The toy of claim 13 whereinthe body portion comprises a molded figure portraying a figure selectedfrom the group consisting: of a rocket ship, a plane, a moon cruiser,and a car.
 20. The toy of claim 13 further comprising an energyindicator configured to indicate generated power level.